NVIDIA SLI multi-GPU technology is going through a rough patch on the AMD platform, with very few NVIDIA nForce 900 series motherboards available/sold. With AMD looking to come back strong in the performance CPU market (which might cause high-end gaming PC users to switch platforms), it is wise on the part of NVIDIA to make SLI available to AMD platform users in some form. NVIDIA is making a cautious move: licensing SLI to motherboard vendors in the same protocol in which it licenses them to provide NVIDIA SLI support on Intel 5-series and 6-series chipset based motherboards.

This move is particularly wise because NVIDIA wouldn't need to invest on making a chipset (though it can) for AMD's upcoming "Bulldozer" CPUs, and still get licensing fees for NVIDIA SLI. That way, it wouldn't have to rely on the platform's overall market success. NVIDIA will offer SLI licenses to motherboards based on AMD's upcoming 9-series chipset, particularly to models that lack integrated Radeon graphics (that's AMD 990FX, and AMD 990X). It will offer 2-way SLI licenses to motherboards running AMD 990X, and 3-way/2-way licenses to boards based on AMD 990FX. It won't offer nForce 200 bridge chips. Further, only those motherboard manufacturers that are currently tied up with NVIDIA for SLI licenses on Intel platform, will be granted SLI licenses on AMD platform.

NVIDIA demands a fee of about $5 for each SLI-certified motherboard sold. Only licensed motherboards can run NVIDIA SLI. For licensed motherboards a special SLI-certification code is embedded into the motherboard BIOS. NVIDIA GeForce driver looks for this SBIOS code before offering SLI as a feature that can be enabled. AMD's next generation high-end desktop platform is on course for a June 2011 launch.Source: VR-Zone

What a great move by NVIDIA, this will benefit us consumers quite alot :). Although considering today's games I doubt they will gain too much from this imho as I can imagine only a very small amount of people will be running SLI/Crossfire, anyhow lets see how the future pans out for PC gaming first.

It is strange that it has taken so long for AMD and nVidia to get this going . I hope it is a good strong platform but I wouldn't be putting to much stock in this . Intel has a big lead in this area with the advent of both crossfire and SLI platforms on ONE MB . I only hope that AMD will be able to have this as well . With "Bulldozer" coming out soon it would be in nVidias best interest to get into this , If they do not this will cripple nVidia a great deal . This is one reason Intel looks good to so many , AMD needs to get with the program !

This shit is long overdue, TBH why should they not allow SLI on AMD platform in the first place?
People are paying to use your fucking products nVidia, they should not need to jump through hoops to use SLI in the first place.

Zubasa said:If this is real.
This shit is long overdue, TBH why should they not allow SLI on AMD platform in the first place?
People are paying to use your fucking products nVidia, they should not need to jump through hoops to use SLI in the first place.

It's all about the money . We pay big bucks for there crap and they want even more . Intel some how got it right by putting both SLI and crossfire on there X58 MB's But AMD some how failed to enter into this . I don't know why but I think it is all about the cash !
I only whished they would have offered this on all Intel chipset MB with core2 quads but I did not get that lucky :cry: .

Following the same philosophy, they could also facilitate the use of a supplementary PhysX card on future driver releases where a system's main card is produced by AMD, assuming that they actually wish to promote this technology.

trickson said:It's all about the money . We pay big bucks for there crap and they want even more . Intel some how got it right by putting both SLI and crossfire on there X58 MB's But AMD some how failed to enter into this . I don't know why but I think it is all about the cash !

This is where things does not make sense.
I bet they have a much better profit margin selling their nF200 crap than full chipsets.

Mr McC said:Following the same philosophy, they could also facilitate the use of a supplementary PhysX card on future driver releases where a system's main card is produced by AMD, assuming that they actually wish to promote this technology.

This.
Again it seems like some smart-ass up in nVidia have some twisted logic.
He/She is limiting the profit potential of the company.

One of the few good things i've heard this year, was going to upgrade to an am3+ when they reach a resonable price anyway, but this means a high end one might be in order, so i can have a second GTS250 because the current 5 series all cost around and over £200 and i really don't see the point in gettig one

Yes, we all trust you tyvm for your opinion, even after all that bull last year. Personally, I think this is a great move, but on the other hand, is it a sign from AMD (or the related parties) that Fermi is finally a worthy competitor of AMD's graphics division?